Letter to the Bean

Dear Bean,

Your grandmother and I were going through some boxes today and ran across this photo of your Dad taken when he was just a couple of days old. The memories and emotions of that late October day came rushing back as we choked back tears of joy. Something amazing happens when you meet your child for the first time and you are forever changed by it. It is the fulfillment of all your hopes and dreams and you know that nothing will ever be able to separate you from the love you feel at that moment. We felt the same way when your Aunt Rachel came along a couple of years later. Our hearts overflowed with joy and we still feel the same way today. I'm sharing this with you in hopes of preparing you for the outpouring of love you'll be receiving when you make your appearance in a few months. It could be a little overwhelming at first. Not only will you be welcomed by your Mom and Dad but also by two sets of grandparents (both quite special I might add) as well as great-grandparents, your Aunt Rachel and too many other doting "aunts", "uncles", and cousins to name here. To be sure, you will not want for love or attention. In fact, after a while you may begin to take it for granted and assume that everybody is blessed the way you are. In time you'll begin to realize how very unique you are and how special it is to be surrounded by so much love. So take it all in little Bean. Soak up all the love your Mom and Dad and grandparents and great-grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins can heap upon your tiny shoulders. It will always be here for you and will be a source of strength throughout your amazing life.